snowchains . . . .

So do ya'll normally chain up the front or the rears? I used to just chain the rears, fill bed with snow and call it good but a buddy of mine is talking like chaining up the front only with change everything?

 

Well that's the thing... My tires hardly stuff as they are now, chains will just fuck up my fenders if they hit...

 

Then your choice on front or back seems pretty clear...

 

I got my first Tacoma, first pick up truck actually, last October. That was right before the winter hit out here in Massachusetts, and this past winter we had was arguably one of the worse winters I've ever seen in my 21 years. I never got stuck in my Tacoma, and it is completely stock with a just a regular old set of 265 70 R16 all terrains on it. Some storms we got over 18 inches of snow, and never even came close to getting stuck. In my opinion you really wont need the chains, just get a decent all terrain and you'll be fine.

 

I like all of the responses from people who live in areas where snow is not an every day matter. 4x4 is not an end all by any means. And for people who mention that they drive through 18 or 20 inches of snow after a storm, that's the fun and easy part. The tough part is driving on hard pack/ice trying to to do 45mph up a steep grade, so the semi behind you doesn't rear end you. This year I've bought a set of Blizzaks, and will also be purchasing a set of heavy duty chains. Just saying.

 

Hey, steve and I live in the same town! (almost haha)

 

I havent bought chains for the taco yet, but I had chains in my Dodge. The only reason I have them is for getting myself out of a bad situation. Only time I had to use them we got stopped by a snowdrift, and had to turn around and go back up what we just came down. Bad planning I know, but I was only 21, and a little too gung ho. I chained the front only, more weight being a diesel, and that gave me the traction to get me and my truck out of a canyon that, had I not had chains, I wouldnt have gotten it out until the snow melted a few months later, or called a snow cat to come get me, $$$$. Plus I know Nevada doesnt require them for 4wd, but Oregon does, and whether the weather is nasty out or not. Certain times of the year, if you dont have chains onboard, you get a ticket.

 

never had chains but never needed them even pulled out chained chevy 4x4 in
deep snow air down caus chains will bury u quick on ice I back my foot off the skinny pedal
when I lived in cali broke trails every weekend 6-10' of snow now in ok winter ice means slow down
never have needed chains never even thought about it.

 

Why not just some good tires? I live in Colorado and rarely need chains.

 

Has anyone tried or have the Peerless Auto-trac snow chains? I know they sell these at my local Wal-mart for just under 70 bucks. Any thoughts on these chains? Kinda look to good to be true.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dIVckhjdcpo&feature=player_detailpage

 

Hmmm... I'm always wary of things that promise to be "quick and easy". For example, automatic transmissions are just recently getting better performance and quality over manual transmissions, and look at how many years it has taken to get that far.

That tensioner thing would probably end up over tightening the chains to the point that you can't get them off. Notice how they never showed the lady actually install or remove them? It was all just different cut scenes.

 

For the record, I slid back down a hill the other day while driving to one of the most popular backcountry ski spots in the Bozeman area. Then, while skiing up the road, I got passed by a 2wd 1980s chevy with chains. For those of you that say chains aren't necessary, you obviously have no idea what some of us go through.

No, you shouldn't need chains if you live a hum-drum, do-nothing type of life. But for those of us who have a Tacoma to use it rather than pick up chicks (though it's good for that too) chains are pretty much mandatory.

Still looking for the perfect chains - if anyone has any more advice, please share.

 

I picked up some RUD grip 4x4 chains last December after doing the research. I had to use them in Washington at Christmas time with no problem, easy on and off with a short time out side. I purchased them at a tire place in Socal since I needed them before mail order could get them to me.